By Blake Jackson
University of Missouri Extension specialists are offering farm women a chance to improve their hands-on skills at “Save the Cuss Words 2.0: You Got This”, part of the in-person Pearls of Production Women in Agriculture Conference on November 8 in Columbia.
“We are hoping to meet farm women who want to learn hands-on techniques, network with other women and make connections that last the entire year - until the next conference, when we can do it all over again,” said Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock specialist, statewide poultry specialist, and Pearls of Production committee chair.
The “Shop Talk” session will focus on practical skills that help women handle day-to-day challenges on the farm. MU Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch and livestock specialist Brenda Schreck will guide attendees through technical skills to manage situations like “when the hot wire isn’t hot, but the bull is and has his head stuck in the gate,” Funkenbusch explains.
“You may have the whole day planned out and too many things to do,” Conrow said. “That’s when all ‘H-E Double Hockey Sticks’ breaks loose. The cows are in the road, the trailer tire is flat and Kid No. 2 forgot his ball uniform. You just want to go back to the house and crawl under the covers. We’re here to help you navigate those days.”
Attendees will learn how to make do with available resources, including securing loads, replacing chains on a chainsaw, and other essential farm fixes. “You just can’t go running into town every time something needs fixed,” Schreck said.
All activities are designed with farm safety and ergonomics for women in mind. “Pearls of Production empowers farm women by giving them the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to Missouri agriculture,” Funkenbusch said.
Other conference sessions on November 8 will include swine and beef topics, small ruminant management, Heroes to Hives beekeeping, and the “Stop the Bleed” emergency management session.
For details or registration, contact Heather Conrow at hconrow@missouri.edu or 660-248-2272.
Photo Credit: pearl-of-production
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Rural Lifestyle